[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 143 (Friday, September 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING BRETT EVERETT WOOD

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 23, 2011

  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Brett Everett Wood, 
a courageous and noble soldier, who died on September 9, 2011 at the 
age of 19. Army Private First Class Wood laid down his life when 
insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device in 
Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.
  A 2010 graduate of Owen Valley High School who enlisted shortly after 
his high school graduation, Private Wood was assigned to the 1st 
Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th 
Infantry Division based in Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Private First Class 
Wood had recently returned to active duty after recovering from head 
wounds suffered in a previous IED blast. He was awarded a Purple Heart, 
Bronze Star and a Good Conduct Medal among several other military 
honors.
  A hard worker, a proud and brave American, and a loving son, Private 
First Class Brett Wood leaves behind his beloved parents, Malissa and 
Chris Frye and Mitchell and Angela Wood. He is survived by his adored 
brothers Nikk Wood, Brandon Wood and Cory Poland and dearly loved 
sister Amber Poland. His grandparents, Charles and Evelyn Wood and Jim 
and Sandy Corns will long remember him.
  Private First Class Brett Wood made the ultimate sacrifice for his 
country in Operation Enduring Freedom. To his fellow soldiers, his 
family and friends, and to everyone who knew and loved him, he was a 
dedicated member of his community who answered the higher calling to 
serve his country.
  Mr. Speaker, during his lifetime, Brett Everett Wood enriched the 
lives of everyone around him by employing energy, leadership, and 
courage in everything he set out to do. As we bid farewell to this 
exceptional individual, I am reminded that freedom does indeed exact a 
heavy price and I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering and 
honoring his contributions and years of devoted service to his 
community and our country.

                          ____________________